O’Neil looking to keep bright spark Rose

Sunderland might not have been pulling up any trees this year. However, one area of satisfaction has been the form of loan signing Danny Rose. Rose has bloomed since his temporary move from Tottenham at the start of the year so its no surprise to hear that Martin O’Neil is in no rush to lose the youngster, as is reported by Sky Sports News.

Rose burst onto the scene with a sensational North London Derby goal a couple of years ago, however he struggled to live up to the hype generated by his Derby day heroics. That was at least until he joined The Black Cats at the start of this season, with the England under 21 international making real strides of progress in the North East. Unfortunately for the Mackems this has led to increased rumours that Spurs might recall Rose in January, although with Benoit Assou Ekotto nearing full fitness it would seem suprising for Rose to be recalled only to sit on the bench and not to continue his impressive development away from the Lane.

Martin O’Neil has been keen to indicate that he needs to strengthen his squad over the course of January so for Rose (one of Sunderland’s few stand out performers thus far) to be uprooted would be a real blow to his plans. Rose has also made a real impression on the Stadium of Light faithful so if Sunderland were to lose him it would add yet more discontent amongst a group of supporters who far from impressed by their clubs less than impressive league form. Of course its out of Sunderland’s control whether than can keep Rose however it is in their best interests to do everything they can to cling on to him for as long as possible.